Chapter 770 Blade Beast's Gleaming Light

The cultivator surnamed Hao stared at Ning Zhuo with a deep, unsettling gaze.

Ning Zhuo's tremendous progress, culminating in acquiring the fifth Xuanbing Armor and qualifying to participate in the third trial, was a process he witnessed firsthand.

He suddenly had a feeling: "Ning Zhuo came prepared!"

"He has great confidence in his learning ability. It's all part of his plan."

"Is this what a top-tier genius is like? He's so confident in himself! Even when facing the Ban family and Ban Ji, he's utterly confident. He firmly believes that even if he's just starting out and has only recently begun learning, he can still suppress and block Ban Ji?"

Is this unparalleled self-confidence, or just another form of arrogance?

Ning Zhuo sat cross-legged on the ground, examining himself and reviewing the battle that had just taken place.

He reflected, "Is this what they mean by 'no moves are the best moves'? Truly impressive!"

This reminded Ning Zhuo of a saying in Confucianism: "Do as you please, without transgressing the rules!"

A skilled Confucian scholar can act as he pleases without transgressing social rules and laws.

"The so-called 'no moves are better than moves' is just the martial arts principle of 'doing whatever you want without overstepping the bounds'."

"It may seem that every move is without any set pattern and is done at will, but in reality, it is based on the actual battle situation. Whether it is the physical exertion or the use of weapons, it is in accordance with the principles of martial arts."

Ning Zhuo suppressed his sigh and then thought of another important matter: "I have reached the limit in my martial arts studies!"

Even if he hadn't used his extreme methods of hanging his head from the rafters or pricking his thigh with an awl, he had reached his limit and could no longer improve.

Currently, Ning Zhuo's martial arts level is at the Martial Craftsman level, and he is still a long way from the Master level.

One of the hallmarks of a master teacher is that they can defeat opponents without using any specific moves, a standard that Ning Zhuo is far from meeting.

"None of the demonic cultivators I absorbed reached the level of a martial arts master. Therefore, their foundation was insufficient."

"Even if it were possible, it would be impossible for me to reach the level of a master teacher solely based on other people's memories and experience!"

The reason is quite simple.

To achieve the goal of winning without using any specific moves, one needs meticulous basic skills, mastery of combos, and a wealth of flexible tactical thinking.

Even if someone else is a renowned martial arts master, and Ning Zhuo absorbs their experience and memories, Ning Zhuo cannot immediately satisfy the two needs mentioned above.

Others' bodies are different from Ning Zhuo's; their height, arm span, flexibility, and so on all differ. The weapons they use are also not entirely the same as those Ning Zhuo uses.

These differences mean that even if Ning Zhuo masters the moves and combos, he cannot completely replicate them. He can achieve precision, but he cannot achieve the minute details.

Others have different temperaments and are less cunning. This leads to different choices in many situations, and also different tactical strategies.

If Ning Zhuo wants to develop "rich and flexible tactical thinking", he has to practice hard and constantly engage in real combat.

"The martial arts of a master cannot be easily replicated. It has a very strong personal character, so I have to rely on my own hard work and struggle."

"Unless I can receive the infusion of a higher realm."

If Ning Zhuo's martial arts realm were to directly advance to the level of a master, or even higher, the level of a grandmaster or grandmaster, it would be very easy for him to achieve "no moves are better than moves".

Looking back now, Ning Zhuo feels more and more that the opportunity to become the Five Elements Divine Lord at the Ten Thousand Medicines Sect was truly invaluable.

"However, even if I don't reach the master level, refining this spear is equivalent to having the help of a master spearman."

"The value of the Ninefold Mystic Armor lies precisely in this."

"Of course, it is ultimately just a piece of armor, an external object. It is merely a reaction following the principles of martial arts after being stressed, and it cannot compare to a cultivator reaching the master level."

Ning Zhuo then thought of Ban Ji: "According to intelligence, he has only been learning close combat weapons for a few years. It is highly unlikely that he will reach the level of a master."

"Unless it is by chance or a special talent."

"This greatly increases my chances of dealing with him. As long as I prevent him from obtaining the nine Xuanbing Armors, I will have succeeded!"

"Encountering a bronze shield was indeed a pleasant surprise. Everything is currently within expectations."

Ning Zhuo's practice of learning while doing was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but a meticulously planned endeavor established before he even set off.

The opportunities for real-world practice are extremely valuable; once they're gone, they're gone forever.

Ning Zhuo seized every opportunity for real combat, willing to invest more time and energy to significantly improve his combat skills.

Upon arrival, he encountered bronze shields and bronze spears, and immediately realized the immense benefits of his learning.

"If I hadn't mastered the principles of illusion and reality, I wouldn't be able to sense 'force.' Even with a shield protecting me, my bones would still be shattered by the spear."

"I have now mastered five Xuanbing Armor pieces, which is ahead of schedule. Advancing to the third level should be no problem."

This was all because they encountered a bronze shield.

"Next, the sixth Xuanbing Armor will be even stronger, and our combat power will be significantly enhanced!"

"I need to give it my all while maintaining my physical condition and avoiding serious injury. Otherwise, once the required number of participants is reached and the third stage begins, I will face a complex situation of multi-party battles."

Ning Zhuo did not rush to get up. Instead, he used his divine sense and magic power to make the five Xuanbing armors float around him and practice his moves.

"I previously created a three-style sword and saber combo attack. Could we involve more Xuanbing Armor users in it?"

Ning Zhuo had a clear grasp of the situation, so he was no longer in a hurry and started practicing again.

He practiced for a while, then his head started to ache terribly.

Combining two weapons is already extremely difficult. Trying to create a third or fourth weapon is highly impractical.

So Ning Zhuo began to secretly call out again, "Boss, help me!"

"Here you are, brother!" Sun Lingtong had been preparing all along.

On the surface, Ning Zhuo was clearing the level alone, but in reality, it was with the combined efforts of two people.

Brothers united, their strength can break even gold!

at the same time.

Ao Pan's right arm muscles bulged as he swung his bronze sword, attempting to cut off the enemy soldiers' relentless offensive.

The sixth piece of Xuanbing armor he faced was a massive siege hammer, specifically designed for attacking city gates. But for now, it was only meant to be used against Ao Pan.

Ao Pan's sword strikes were fierce and powerful, but the city-breaking ram was truly ruthless.

With each clash, the bronze sword groaned in pain. The immense recoil nearly shattered Ao Pan's arm bones.

Ao Pan retreated repeatedly, the hard, iron-like stone beneath his feet already cracked into countless spiderwebs, with large amounts of gravel flying everywhere.

Ao Pan suddenly grabbed the bronze spear that was hovering beside him with his left hand.

The spear is thrust forward, its tip piercing the air, tracing the path of a whip-like technique.

First came the guns, then the swords, and finally the battering ram was stopped.

"Now!" Ao Pan slammed his hand to his waist and drew out a bronze whip.

With the long whip in hand, Ao Pan's entire demeanor underwent a subtle transformation.

*Smack*

The whip appeared, then vanished just as quickly!

When it reappeared, the long whip had already wrapped around the head of the mallet, and the tip of the whip, as if alive, stabbed fiercely into the mallet body.

Countless spiderweb-like cracks instantly covered the hammerhead, and the siege hammer came to an abrupt halt!

Ao Pan pounced forward, opened his arms, and embraced the battering ram, refining it with all his might.

The bronze whip broke into pieces and could no longer be used.

"What a pity!"

"This long whip is the first bronze artifact I've ever encountered. It's both a stroke of luck and a regret."

In the crucial moment, Ao Pan still trusted the long whip more. It was his most proficient weapon.

Now that the long whip is gone, the bronze artifacts around Ao Pan are no longer as convenient.

Ao Pan tidied up the broken whip and continued on his way.

...

The battle between Tie Zheng and Xuanbingjia has entered its most intense phase.

Tie Zheng wielded his bronze sword wildly, shattering three frost arrows in succession.

Ice shards flew everywhere, and the cold air spread along the blade, instantly covering the bronze sword with a layer of solid ice.

Tie Zheng decisively released his grip on the knife and casually summoned a bronze staff.

He used a long stick to deflect a flaming arrow, which suddenly exploded, creating a surging wave of fire.

The flames scorched his exposed skin, leaving burn marks.

Tie Zheng retreated abruptly.

Meanwhile, his opponent—a bronze bow hovered in the distance, its bowstring opening and closing automatically as if it were alive, its azure ice arrows and crimson fire arrows alternating precisely, weaving a deadly net of arrows.

Tie Zheng wielded his long staff, maintaining a steady and secure defense.

Ao Pan is a Golden Core level body cultivator, and his main cultivation method dictates that he focuses on body refinement. Tie Zheng, on the other hand, is a Golden Core level martial artist, possessing at least a master-level understanding of various weapons.

Tie Zheng is over 370 years old. In such a long period of cultivation, and being a traditional martial arts practitioner, reaching the master level is not difficult for him.

It was precisely because of his skill that a cold glint flashed in Tie Zheng's eyes at this moment, and he knew very well in his heart: "I am here, and most of my methods cannot be used."

"To break through the net of arrows, one would need at least a moderate injury."

"That won't do!"

Tie Zheng gathered intelligence and learned that in many previous instances, even strong individuals would lose control in the second stage and fight with all their might, resulting in them being suddenly teleported to the third stage and immediately caught in a chaotic battle, ultimately achieving very unsatisfactory results.

"My physical constitution is not as strong as Ao Pan's, so I need to maintain my physical condition."

"In that case, I've decided on you."

"Attack! Strike with lightning!"

He had twelve bronze bells with animal heads hanging from his waist. At that moment, one of them suddenly trembled, detached itself, and flew into the air.

The sphere emitted a piercing shriek in the air and suddenly cracked.

A stream of bronze, like liquid, flowed out and condensed into a lithe bronze leopard-shaped sword beast in the next step.

It has no eyes or ears, and its entire body is made up of countless fine blades that vibrate at high speed.

The bronze bow and arrows reacted with lightning speed, unleashing three arrows in quick succession. Two ice arrows blocked the path, while a fire arrow fired directly at the beast!

The light flickered.

Its speed was so fast that ice arrows only pierced through the afterimages, and rockets were left far behind.

The bronze bow and arrows fired continuously, forming waves of arrow nets.

The swift and agile beast swept through the arrow net and snatched the bronze bow in its jaws!

"It's done." Seeing this, Tie Zheng breathed a sigh of relief.

The cultivators in Xuanjia Cave were in an uproar.

"What's this?"

"Isn't there a magic array that prohibits cultivators from using other methods?"

"No, Tie Zheng did not cheat. His sword beast was actually transformed from a Xuanbing Armor."

Tie Zheng cleverly used the rules of Xuanjia Cave to silence the questioning cultivators.

In previous years, some cultivators also used their own Xuanbing armor.

This is also within the scope of the rules.

Xuanjia Cave hopes to see this happen, where the Xuanbing Armor circulating outside can demonstrate its value and contribute to the long-term operation of the entire cave.

The cultivator surnamed Hao thought to himself, "Tie Zheng brought with him a bronze artifact, which he then transformed into a living sword beast. This is a huge advantage."

"He was uninjured while wearing the sixth Xuanbing Armor, and his condition was also very good."

"He might just secure his final victory and become the top performer in this Xingyun preliminary test because of this."

Thinking of this, the cultivator surnamed Hao went to check on Lu Zeng's condition.

Lu Zeng was the last of the three Golden Core cultivators.

At this moment, he is also actively fighting against the sixth bronze artifact.

Beside him, five bronze artifacts launched successive attacks, their offensive relentless. Lu Zeng adopted an offensive strategy, gaining the upper hand and maintaining a stable position.

His concerns were the same as those of Ning Zhuo, Tie Zheng, and others, so he also used his expertise in manipulating mechanisms.

However, although Lu Zeng was not injured, his spiritual energy was greatly depleted.

As for Foundation Establishment level cultivators...

Zhang Wangxing was the first to clash with the sixth bronze weapon.

On the battlefield, he was forced to jump around and was in a very sorry state.

The cultivators of Xuanjia Cave pointed and whispered about him, as if watching a joke. They had expected this scene.

Zhang Wangxing had previously relied on his unique physical body to take shortcuts. However, with the sixth Xuanbing Armor, which could consume magical power and unleash sword and saber energy, its destructive power on the physical body was too great.

Zhang Wangxing had no skill in manipulating mechanisms, and his knowledge of weapons was very basic, which immediately put him in a very difficult situation.

After Zhang Wangxing, came the Rust Disaster Craftsman and Ban Ji.

Banji carefully put away his severed finger. He cultivated demonic arts, but focused on the upper dantian and divine sea, possessing a strong spiritual sense but a weak physical body.

He is not yet capable of regenerating severed fingers, and such a completely severed wound cannot grow granulation tissue like Ning Zhuo did, eventually filling the gap and reconnecting the finger.

He wielded the bronze sword with one arm, displaying a style he had never shown before. Even when facing the bronze sword that seemed to gleam with sword light, he could parry and occasionally even counterattack.

"Having a knife in hand makes all the difference!"

"This bronze sword is of master-level quality. When I use it in actual combat, every move is taught to me by a master hand in hand."

"This kind of learning is so addictive, I can't stop."

"With more real combat experience like this, the time it takes for me to advance to the Master-level martial artist will definitely be greatly reduced."

Elsewhere, the Rust Master is unleashing his full potential, attempting to rust the sixth piece of Xuanbing Armor he faces.

The results were very poor.

The Xuanbing Armor was protected by magic, causing the Rust Disaster Craftsman's talent to repeatedly fail.

Ning Zhuo covered his forehead, feeling dizzy.

He and Sun Lingtong worked together to deduce the problem, which was extremely brain-intensive.

The brothers were not simulating a combined weapon attack.

Ning Zhuo listened to Sun Lingtong's suggestion: "Xiao Zhuo, instead of devising a combination of swords, spears, fists and shields, why not use them to form a battle formation?"

"We're familiar with battle formations!"

"Besides, many of your weapons are already in terrible condition, and the third level will be another chaotic battle. Even if we devise a combined attack technique now, will you really be able to use it?"

"Even if you seize a similar weapon from someone else, it will only be similar and will greatly damage the effectiveness of the combined attack technique."

"Instead, it would be better for us to design a battle formation directly, and then fill it with new Xuanbing armor, which can be added to the battle formation, making it more stable and safer for us!"

After hearing these words, Ning Zhuo nodded emphatically: "Boss, you're right, I'll listen to you!"

(End of this chapter)